Sam Schmidt – Arrow/McLaren Racing Leads Innovation in Motorsport Technology for 2025 Season

Sam Schmidt’s journey in IndyCar racing took a significant turn recently. McLaren Racing recently completed its buyout of the team he founded.

The former IndyCar driver established Sam Schmidt Motorsports in 2001. He has fully transitioned ownership of what is now known as Arrow McLaren to the iconic British racing organization. Schmidt and his business partner Ric Peterson sold their remaining 25% stake in the operation to McLaren Racing, with the deal becoming effective December 31, 2024.

This ownership change marks the end of an era for Schmidt, who turned to team ownership after a racing accident ended his driving career. Under his leadership, the Indianapolis-based team evolved from Sam Schmidt Motorsports to Arrow McLaren, becoming a competitive force in the IndyCar Series. The partnership with McLaren began as a gradual transition, with the legendary Formula 1 team initially acquiring partial ownership before taking complete control.

Sam Schmidt: Racing Career and Injury

Sam Schmidt’s journey from IndyCar competitor to team owner has been marked by tremendous resilience and innovation following a devastating accident that changed his life forever.

Early Career and IndyCar Beginnings

Sam Schmidt’s path to professional racing wasn’t typical. Unlike many drivers who start in go-karts as children, Schmidt didn’t begin racing until his 30s. After finding success in lower racing divisions, he broke into the IndyCar scene in the late 1990s.

His career hit a high point in 1999 when he secured his first IndyCar win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That season showed his potential as a rising talent in the series, finishing fifth in the championship standings.

Schmidt qualified for the prestigious Indy 500 in three consecutive years (1997-1999), showcasing his ability to compete with the sport’s elite drivers. His methodical driving style and engineering background gave him an edge in understanding car setups and race strategy.

The Life-Changing Accident

Everything changed in January 2000. During a practice session at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Schmidt experienced a devastating crash that would alter the trajectory of his life.

The violent impact severely damaged his spinal cord at the C3 and C4 levels, leaving him a quadriplegic. Initially on a ventilator and with extremely limited movement, doctors told Schmidt he might never breathe independently again.

Despite the grim prognosis, he defied expectations. Within five weeks, he weaned himself off the ventilator. Though his racing career behind the wheel had ended abruptly, Schmidt’s determination to remain involved in motorsports never wavered.

Advancements in Mobility

Since his accident, Schmidt has become a pioneer in adaptive driving technology. The most remarkable advancement came through the SAM Car (Semi-Autonomous Mobility) project, a modified Corvette that allows Schmidt to drive using only head movements.

The innovative system uses infrared cameras to track his head motions for steering, while a sip-and-puff device allows him to accelerate and brake by blowing into or sucking from a tube. This technology has enabled Schmidt to drive at speeds over 150 mph.

Beyond personal mobility, Schmidt has worked tirelessly to advance research for neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries through his foundation, Conquer Paralysis Now. His advocacy has helped fund groundbreaking research and rehabilitation programs for those with similar injuries.

Arrow McLaren SP’s Formation and Growth

Arrow McLaren’s journey represents one of the most significant team evolutions in modern IndyCar racing. The organization transformed from a small, single-car operation into a powerhouse team through strategic partnerships and steady expansion.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports Origins

Sam Schmidt, a former IndyCar driver, founded Sam Schmidt Motorsports in 2001 after his racing career ended due to a practice crash that left him quadriplegic. Despite this life-altering challenge, Schmidt channeled his passion for racing into team ownership.

The team began competing in the Indy Racing League (now IndyCar Series) with modest resources but quickly established itself as a competitive presence. Schmidt’s driving experience and racing instincts proved valuable for team strategy.

Initially focusing on the Indianapolis 500, Sam Schmidt Motorsports gradually expanded its program while building a reputation for spotting and developing young talent. The team operated with a smaller budget than the series’ giants but consistently overperformed expectations.

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Expansion

In 2013, businessman Ric Peterson joined the organization as co-owner, bringing additional financial resources and business acumen. This partnership created Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM), enabling significant team growth.

The newly formed SPM expanded to a two-car operation, allowing for better data collection and development opportunities. Peterson’s involvement strengthened the team’s commercial position and helped secure better sponsorship arrangements.

Under this partnership, the team secured higher-profile drivers and improved its technical capabilities. SPM became known as a well-organized midfield team capable of occasional podiums and wins against larger operations.

The Schmidt-Peterson partnership laid crucial groundwork for future growth while maintaining the team’s scrappy, underdog spirit that resonated with fans.

Arrow Electronics Partnership

In 2019, Arrow Electronics elevated its involvement from sponsor to title partner, transforming the organization into Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. This partnership delivered crucial financial stability and technological resources.

Arrow’s technology expertise proved particularly valuable beyond just funding. The partnership gained worldwide attention through inspiring projects like the SAM Car (Semi-Autonomous Mobility), which allowed Schmidt himself to drive again using head movements and breathing controls.

The Arrow relationship represented more than a typical sponsorship—it became a genuine technological collaboration focused on innovation. This period marked the team’s transition from midfield competitor to an organization with genuine growth potential.

McLaren Racing Collaboration

The biggest evolution came when McLaren Racing acquired a majority stake in the team in 2021. Led by CEO Zak Brown, McLaren purchased 75% of the operation, while Schmidt and Peterson retained minority ownership positions.

The team was rebranded as Arrow McLaren SP, combining McLaren’s technical expertise and global resources with the existing team’s IndyCar-specific knowledge. Gil de Ferran, McLaren’s Sporting Director, helped guide the integration process.

McLaren’s involvement accelerated growth through infrastructure investment, expanded engineering resources, and enhanced commercial opportunities. The partnership steadily improved results while attracting higher-profile drivers.

By January 2025, McLaren took complete ownership of the organization, now known as Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, marking the final step in the transformation from Schmidt’s small team to a full factory McLaren racing operation.

Achievements in the NTT IndyCar Series

Arrow McLaren’s journey in American open-wheel racing showcases remarkable achievements and steady growth since its evolution from Schmidt Peterson Motorsports to a powerhouse team in the NTT IndyCar Series.

Team Performance Highlights

The Arrow McLaren team has built an impressive record in the NTT IndyCar Series through strategic partnerships and gradual expansion. The team has accumulated 25 wins and 75 podiums throughout its history in the series, demonstrating consistent competitiveness on various track types.

In 2023, Arrow McLaren expanded to a three-car operation, showing their commitment to growing their presence in American motorsport. This expansion came after McLaren initially purchased a 75% stake in the team in 2021.

The team’s evolution reached another milestone in early 2025 when McLaren Racing took full ownership of the IndyCar operation, buying out remaining stakeholders Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson. This move solidified McLaren’s commitment to American open-wheel racing.

Driver Achievements

Under Schmidt’s leadership before the McLaren partnership, the team captured seven drivers championships in the development series, showcasing their ability to nurture racing talent. This foundation in driver development has continued to benefit the organization.

The team has made multiple appearances in the prestigious Indianapolis 500, with several impressive qualifying performances and race results. Their best championship finish to date has been second place in the overall NTT IndyCar Series standings.

Arrow McLaren’s driver lineup has evolved to include established veterans and promising young talent, creating a balanced roster that can compete for poles and wins across the diverse IndyCar schedule of road courses, street circuits, and ovals.

Technological Innovation and Social Impact

Sam Schmidt’s legacy extends far beyond the racetrack. His partnership with Arrow and McLaren has pioneered groundbreaking technologies that transform lives while pushing motorsport engineering to new frontiers.

Contribution to Accessibility Technology

The Arrow SAM Car represents a revolutionary leap in adaptive driving technology. After Schmidt became a quadriplegic following his 2000 racing accident, engineers modified a Corvette with electronic interfaces that allowed him to drive using only head movements.

This system uses sophisticated infrared cameras to track Schmidt’s head motions, translating them into steering commands. A bite sensor controls acceleration and braking, giving him precise control over the vehicle.

What makes this technology truly remarkable isn’t just its application in racing. The principles behind the SAM Car have potential applications for thousands of people with mobility impairments.

Arrow didn’t stop with cars. They’ve expanded these control systems to other vehicles, proving that disability doesn’t have to limit independence or passion.

The Sam Suit Project

Building on their automotive success, Arrow developed the SAM Suit, an exoskeleton that enables Schmidt to walk again. This modified mobility device provides semi-autonomous movement for severely disabled individuals.

The suit’s breakthrough design allows users to control their movements more naturally than previous exoskeletons. Schmidt took his first public steps using this technology, marking an emotional milestone in his journey.

What sets the SAM Suit apart is its intuitive control system. Like the SAM Car, it interprets subtle body movements and translates them into fluid motion.

The project demonstrates how racing technology can find meaningful applications beyond the track. By addressing real-world mobility challenges, Arrow and Schmidt are redefining what’s possible for people with spinal cord injuries.

Goodwood Festival of Speed Appearance

The Goodwood Festival of Speed witnessed history when Schmidt piloted the SAM Car up the famous hillclimb. This wasn’t just a demonstration but a competitive run that showcased both the technology’s capability and Schmidt’s driving prowess.

Amid the festival’s celebration of automotive heritage, the SAM Car represented the future. Spectators watched in amazement as Schmidt navigated the challenging course using only head movements and breath control.

The appearance at this prestigious event brought international attention to adaptive driving technology. It placed accessibility innovation alongside the world’s most exotic supercars and racing legends.

For Schmidt, conquering Goodwood wasn’t just about personal achievement. It demonstrated to millions watching that disability doesn’t diminish competitive spirit or engineering excellence.

The Future of Arrow McLaren Racing

McLaren Racing has solidified its position in American motorsport with its complete acquisition of the IndyCar team, setting the stage for ambitious expansion plans and a stronger foothold in North American racing.

Expansion to a Three-Car Team

Arrow McLaren has been steadily building its presence in the NTT IndyCar Series, evolving from a two-car outfit into a formidable three-car team. This expansion wasn’t done on a whim—it represents a calculated strategy to increase their competitive edge on the track.

The team now fields three full-time entries, giving them more data points during race weekends and increased chances for podium finishes. This three-pronged approach allows Arrow McLaren to experiment with different setups and strategies across multiple cars.

With McLaren Racing’s complete ownership, we can expect more resources flowing into the operation. The infrastructure at their Indianapolis headquarters has been upgraded to support this larger operation, with state-of-the-art simulation tools and engineering capabilities.

Driver development has become a priority, with McLaren cultivating talent that can deliver consistent results across America’s most challenging circuits.

Focus on Long-Term Value

McLaren’s buyout of Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson’s remaining 25% stake wasn’t just a business transaction—it was a statement of intent about their long-term commitment to IndyCar racing. The team is clearly positioning itself for sustained success rather than quick wins.

This focus on building lasting value is evident in their technical partnerships, particularly with Arrow Electronics, which remains a crucial technical partner. These relationships provide both financial stability and technological advantages.

McLaren Racing can now fully integrate the IndyCar operation into its broader racing philosophy. This means sharing resources, personnel, and knowledge across Formula 1 and IndyCar programs.

The commercial aspects aren’t being neglected either. McLaren has been aggressive in securing sponsorships specific to the North American market, creating new revenue streams while increasing brand visibility in a key automotive marketplace.

Diversifying the Racing Portfolio

McLaren’s complete takeover of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team represents a strategic diversification of their racing portfolio beyond their historic Formula 1 roots. This move helps insulate the racing organization against potential downturns in any single series.

North America has become a key market for McLaren’s automotive and racing interests. Their IndyCar program serves as a powerful marketing platform for their road cars and technology partnerships in the region.

The team has been exploring additional racing opportunities connected to their IndyCar program, including potential entries in endurance racing events that have significant North American appeal. This cross-pollination between racing disciplines creates technical synergies.

By bidding farewell to Schmidt and Peterson, McLaren has gained complete control over their racing destiny in America. They can now make quicker decisions about technical development, commercial opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

Key Figures and Drivers

The success of Arrow McLaren in IndyCar comes from a blend of strong leadership and talented drivers who have shaped the team’s competitive edge in American open-wheel racing.

Leadership: The Role of Sam Schmidt

Sam Schmidt, a former IndyCar driver, founded Sam Schmidt Motorsports in 2001 following his racing career cut short by a practice crash that left him quadriplegic. His resilience transformed a small team into a major IndyCar competitor.

In 2013, Schmidt partnered with businessman Ric Peterson, creating Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. This partnership brought stability and expanded resources to the operation.

The team’s biggest transformation came when McLaren Racing, led by CEO Zak Brown, entered the picture. Initially purchasing a majority stake, McLaren eventually completed a full buyout of Schmidt and Peterson’s remaining 25% stake on December 31, 2024.

Despite McLaren taking sole ownership of the team, Schmidt’s influence remains evident in the team’s Indianapolis-based operations and competitive philosophy.

Notable Drivers: Pato O’Ward

Patricio “Pato” O’Ward stands as Arrow McLaren’s most dynamic talent. The young Mexican driver joined the team in 2020 and quickly established himself as a championship contender.

O’Ward’s aggressive driving style and remarkable car control have made him a fan favorite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other circuits on the IndyCar calendar.

With multiple race wins under his belt, O’Ward has helped elevate Arrow McLaren from mid-pack contender to regular victory threat. His particular strength on oval tracks complements the team’s increasing technical capabilities.

The relationship between O’Ward and the McLaren organization extends beyond IndyCar, with Formula 1 testing opportunities highlighting the driver’s potential for future international competition.

O’Ward represents the new generation of IndyCar talent that bridges traditional American racing with global motorsport connections.

Partnerships and Sponsorships

Sam Schmidt’s racing team built its success through strategic partnerships that transformed a modest IndyCar operation into a global racing powerhouse. These alliances provided not just financial backing but technological advantages that helped the team compete at the highest levels.

Arrow Electronics and Beyond

Arrow Electronics stands as the most significant corporate partner in Schmidt’s racing journey. The relationship began as a sponsorship deal but evolved into something much more substantial when Arrow Electronics became the title sponsor of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. This partnership changed the team’s identity to Arrow McLaren SP before McLaren Racing’s involvement deepened.

Arrow’s commitment went beyond typical sponsorship arrangements. The tech company provided cutting-edge electronics and technical expertise that gave the team competitive advantages on track.

Other long-term partners like KECO Coatings supported Schmidt for 25 years, demonstrating remarkable loyalty in the volatile world of motorsport sponsorship.

Promoting Brand Synergy

When McLaren Racing entered the picture, buying a 75% stake in 2021, the team’s sponsorship appeal increased dramatically. The McLaren brand brought global recognition and opened doors to new North American corporate partnerships.

The team mastered the art of sponsor integration, with partners’ technologies often finding their way into the race cars themselves. This wasn’t just about stickers on sidepods—it was functional collaboration.

The evolution from Schmidt Peterson to Arrow McLaren SP represented more than just name changes. Each iteration strengthened the team’s commercial position in the IndyCar paddock.

Even as McLaren took complete ownership in early 2025, buying out Schmidt and Peterson’s remaining 25% stake, many partnerships initiated during Schmidt’s tenure remain intact, testament to the solid foundation he built.

Cultural and Community Engagement

Sam Schmidt’s influence extends far beyond the racetrack, shaping both motorsport culture and community initiatives through his personal journey and team leadership.

Racing’s Influence on Culture

Sam Schmidt Motorsports has become more than just a racing team—it’s a cultural phenomenon that represents perseverance against overwhelming odds. After Schmidt’s paralyzing crash in 2000, his return to motorsports as a team owner created a powerful narrative that resonated with fans and non-racing enthusiasts alike.

The team’s evolution through partnerships, eventually becoming Arrow McLaren, has helped bridge American open-wheel racing with international motorsport culture. This cross-pollination brought new eyes to IndyCar from Formula 1 fans worldwide.

Schmidt’s modified Chevrolet Corvette, which he drives using head movements and breath controls, represents a remarkable technological achievement. This innovation has inspired adaptive technology development that extends well beyond motorsports.

His presence at races, despite physical limitations, sends a strong message about inclusion and accessibility in what has traditionally been a physically demanding sport.

Community Outreach and Support

Schmidt’s Conquer Paralysis Now foundation is his most significant community contribution. The organization funds spinal cord injury research and provides support to affected individuals and families.

His annual “Day at the Races” events bring patients with paralysis to experience motorsports up close. This creates meaningful connections between the racing community and those facing similar challenges to Schmidt.

The team regularly participates in hospital visits and charity fundraisers across race markets. They leverage their platform to raise awareness for causes beyond spinal cord injuries.

Schmidt has advocated for greater accessibility at racing venues. He pushed tracks to improve facilities for fans with disabilities. This advocacy has created tangible improvements at numerous motorsports facilities nationwide.

The Arrow McLaren partnership has amplified these efforts. They combined Schmidt’s personal mission with McLaren’s global reach through corporate social responsibility programs.